Maruti sucker punches Tata Motors: Swift claims No 1 spot

If you thought that SUVs are sweeping the top best-selling positions and it’s the end of the hatchbacks then you have another thing coming. It was an ‘in your face moment’ for Maruti Suzuki in May, as the recently launched fourth-generation Swift stormed to pole position dislodging Tata Punch. The Swift registered an impressive 19,393 units putting the Punch in its rearview mirror with 18,949 units. The micro SUV has been the best-selling vehicle in the country for the last two months. We delve into the numbers game to unravel how the Swift has clinched the top position from the country’s most sought-after SUV.

Maruti Suzuki vs Tata Motors: Swift overtakes Punch

Since the start of the new financial year, the Punch has seen an impressive run, leading some to predict the decline of other automobile segments, including hatchbacks. However, the influence of the average consumer is often overlooked, and ultimately, the sales figures speak for themselves. Last month, Maruti Suzuki began accepting bookings for the Swift, and by early June, they had amassed over 40,000 bookings.

With more than 19,000 units sold domestically, none of Swift’s direct competitors made it into the top 10 list, except for the Baleno, which sold 12,842 units. The Swift experienced a 12 per cent year-on-year increase, with 17,346 units sold in May 2023. Although the Punch lost the number one spot to the Swift, it still recorded a significant 70 per cent increase with 11,124 units sold. Typically, the Swift competes with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, which saw a 17 per cent decrease year-on-year with 5,328 units sold.

Maruti Suzuki Swift vs Tata Punch: Price

Maruti Suzuki launched the Swift from Rs 6.49 lakh to Rs 9.44 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. The Swift is available in two transmissions, the 5-speed manual and the 5-speed AMT. According to Maruti Suzuki, the manual returns 24.8 kmpl and AMT 25.75 kmpl. The new Z Series 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine has an output of 80.4 bhp and 112 Nm of torque. The hatchback is available in five variants — LXI, VXI, VXI (O), ZXI and ZXI Plus. Currently, the Swift is only available in petrol, but Maruti Suzuki will introduce a CNG option soon. 

The Punch, on the other hand, is available in both petrol and CNG. The petrol version costs Rs 6.13 lakh to Rs 10.20 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. The micro-SUV is available in both 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT. The CNG lineup starts from Rs 7.23 lakh to Rs 9.85 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.

The Punch also comes in an all-electric version, which is based on a brand-new platform. The Punch EV is available in two battery packs. The entry-level is powered by a 25 kWh battery and the long range gets a 35 kWh battery. The former trim churns out 80 bhp and 114 Nm with a claimed driving range of 315 km. The Long Range has an output of 121 bhp and 190 Nm and a driving range of 421 km.